It's no secret that the late Queen loved to host. And, a year when she would have celebrated her 100th birthday, we're remembering Her Late Majesty's delightful quirks and rules that made her the most iconic monarch of the modern era.
The late Queen had one rather peculiar custom when she hosted guests at Balmoral Castle - and one her son, King Charles, and daughter-in-law, Queen Camilla, haven't continued.
© Getty ImagesAccording to various accounts from Prime Ministers hosted by the late Queen, she would always insist on putting on a pair of yellow rubber gloves and washing up the dirty dishes after a meal.
In his book, Power and the Palace, royal author Valentine Low revealed a conversation that he had with Alex Allan, former private secretary to Prime Minister John Major, about the Queen's surprising habit.
When he stood to go and help her, a lady-in-waiting said to him: "No, no, no! The Queen likes to do it. But don't worry – when the plates and everything get back to the castle, they are all put in the dishwasher."Queen Elizabeth's well-documented domesticity Queen Elizabeth's custom has been well-documented in the past: speaking exclusively to HELLO!, former royal chef Darren McGrady attested to the Queen's custom, as part of a routine with her husband.
© Getty ImagesWhen asked if the late Prince Philip had ever cooked for the Queen at Buckingham Palace, he replied: "He never cooked at the palace to my knowledge. Only on the grill, so mainly Balmoral for the family. Sweet though, that The Queen would then rinse the dishes."
In fact, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was so confused by her habit of washing up with her bare hands that she had a pair of gloves sent to the Queen.
The 1 royal rule Queen Elizabeth II bent this at state banquets
There is one traditional rule in the royal family that the former monarch was known for bending. Typically, the reigning monarch is the one to determine the pace at mealtimes, and as soon as they takes their final bite and puts down their fork, everyone must follow suit, as is the standard royal etiquette.
© Getty ImagesAccording to Laura Windsor, the founder of the Laura Windsor Etiquette Academy, who was trained by a former staff member of the royal family, this wasn't the case with Queen Elizabeth II, who would break the rule when she had guests round.
In an interview with Reader's Digest in July 2024, she explained: "Queen Elizabeth II was known to eat very quickly, but when she was in company, she slowed down so everyone could enjoy and finish their meals."
